Jack Baister, left, with fellow former player, Alec Thompson

A STALWART of amateur football who had a life-long passion for the game both as a player and a fan has died aged 91.

Jack Baister was one of the last of a special breed of players, who graced the amateur game in a County Durham dale. following the Second World War.

Mr Baister played for several clubs, including West Auckland and St John's Chapel before ending his career with Wearhead United, whose ground at 1,107ft above sea level is the highest in England.

One of his proudest moments in football was joining in the centenary celebrations of Wearhead in 2006 - a moment he shared with another survivor from the Forties team, Alec 'Bint' Thompson.

Both men were featured in a centenary calendar produced by the club.

Mr Thompson, a former fluorspar miner, who still lives at Wearhead, shared some of his memories at the centenary get-together.

He said: "I knocked in more goals than anybody else in my time."

Mr Baister, a former painter and decorator, added: "He's right, but most of them came from my pintpoint passes from the wing."

Mr Baister, who died following a long illness, spent 62 years of his life in the same house at St John's Chapel with his wife, Mary.

The couple had one daughter, Pauline, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr Baister, who was born at Evenwood, set up in business as a painter and decorator following service in the Army during the Second World War.

A legacy of his fine work remains today, notably in chapels and churches he decorated.

But football always played a major role in his life.

As a 14-year-old boy, Mr Baister asked the then headmaster of Alderman Cape School, in West Auckland, if he could move to his school as his present school didn't play the game. But, he had to pass a special examination to make the transfer.

After his playing days were over Mr Baister continued to take a strong interest in the game as an avid Middlesbrough supporter.

Both he and 'Bint' Thompson often made the long journey from Upper Weardale to what was then Boro's home ground, at Ayrsome Park.

11:36am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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